Herbal Drug-Loaded Nanoparticles for Vitiligo Treatment: Mechanisms, Formulation Strategies, Characterization, and Therapeutic Potential

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune depigmenting disorder characterized by the progressive destruction of melanocytes, resulting in the appearance of white patches on the skin. The multifactorial pathogenesis of vitiligo involves oxidative stress, autoimmune responses, inflammatory cytokines, genetic predisposition, and melanocyte apoptosis. Although conventional therapies such as phototherapy, corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and surgical interventions are available, their efficacy remains limited due to adverse effects, recurrence, prolonged treatment duration, and poor patient compliance. Herbal medicines have gained significant attention because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and melanogenesis-promoting properties. However, poor aqueous solubility, instability, low bioavailability, and inadequate skin permeation restrict their clinical application. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems provide an innovative platform for improving the therapeutic efficacy of herbal compounds by enhancing stability, penetration, targeted delivery, and controlled release. This review discusses the pathogenesis of vitiligo, the rationale for herbal nanoformulations, nanoparticle systems, formulation approaches, characterization parameters, biological evaluation methods, regulatory considerations, and future perspectives in vitiligo therapy. Keywords: Vitiligo, Herbal Nanoparticles, Nanotechnology, Melanogenesis, Drug Delivery Systems, Skin Targeting, Nanomedicine.